South Dakota Dumb Laws

No Napping in Cheese Factories

In South Dakota, it’s reportedly illegal to lie down and fall asleep inside a cheese factory. While the exact origin of this law is unclear, it likely stems from hygiene or safety regulations tied to food production. Either way, it’s a strange reminder that dairy and dozing don’t mix. Source

Distance Between Beds

An old South Dakota law requires hotel rooms to space twin beds at least two feet apart. The rule may have been based on outdated moral concerns over cohabitation, though there’s little chance it’s being enforced today. Still, it’s an oddly specific glimpse into the lodging laws of the past. Source

Eavesdropping Is a Misdemeanor

In South Dakota, eavesdropping (intentionally listening in on private conversations without permission) is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The law underscores how seriously the state treats personal privacy, even if it’s not something often prosecuted today. Source

Static Interference

In Huron, it’s illegal to cause static interference with radio or television reception between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. That includes anything that disrupts the airwaves, like electrical devices or poorly shielded appliances. It’s a relic from an era when signal clarity was serious business. Source

Sunflower Height Restriction

Another law in Huron forbids sunflowers from growing taller than eight inches. It’s not entirely clear why, though concerns about sightlines, pests, or neighborhood aesthetics could explain it. Regardless, this regulation makes South Dakota one of the only states to legally micromanage a flower’s height. Source